Ep. 85 The Days Ahead Part 2

The afternoon sun cast long shadows through the ornate windows of Lord Macalister office, painting intricate patterns across the meticulously organized room.

Lord Eldrin leaned back in his carved wooden chair, the weight of recent events etched into the lines of his face. His earlier stern demeanor had melted away, revealing a vulnerability that spoke volumes about the near-catastrophe I had prevented.

"I've seen my share of adventurers," he began, his voice carrying a mix of weariness and admiration, "but none quite like you kai."

I remained silent, uncomfortable with direct praise. The memories of our recent battle still burned fresh in my mind—the nightmare, the grotesque slug.

Lord Eldrin continued, "Most would have fled when faced with the threat that descended upon our town. Instead, you stood your ground." He paused, reaching into a drawer of his massive oak desk. "Such courage deserves more than mere words."

The leather sack he produced looked old and unremarkable, but when it sailed through the air and landed in my hands, its weight told a different story. Loosening the drawstring, I peered inside to see it packed with gleaming silver coins. The metallic shimmer spoke of wealth far beyond our typical earnings.

"S-sir," I stammered, "this is too much—"

"Nonsense," Lord Eldrin interrupted, a rare smile breaking through his typically stoic expression. "This is the least I can do for those who saved not just me, but my entire town and most of the residents here"

Maya, standing slightly behind me, could barely contain her excitement. The moment we stepped outside the building, she burst out, "Holy crap, that's a lot of money!"

Rowan chuckled, "Enough to keep us comfortable for quite some time," he observed, his practical nature showing through.

The streets of Eldor were unusually quiet. The recent event had left its mark, bodies were being cleared, stores slowly opening back up and townspeople moved with a cautious energy. They looked at us differently now. No longer just strangers passing through, but saviors.

The tavern we entered was a stark reminder of the town's recent trauma. Usually bustling with midday activity, it now felt subdued. A few patrons nursed drinks, their eyes distant, reliving moments of terror that had been narrowly avoided.

Maya and Rowan attacked their meals with a vigor that spoke of their near-death experience. Each bite seemed like a celebration of survival. Bread, roasted meat, vegetables—they consumed everything with an enthusiasm that would have been comical under different circumstances.

I, however, found myself unable to truly eat.

My mind kept drifting. Memories flickered like a broken lantern—Ms. Clemintine and my mother's face while they pulled me under the black sea, the instant when Rowan and Maya had fallen during the battle, seemingly lifeless. The trauma clung to me like a second skin, invisible to others but suffocating me internally.

But I knew my companions. They worried easily, and the last thing I wanted was to add to their burdens. So I nibbled, creating the illusion of normalcy.

"So," Rowan said between hearty bites, wiping gravy from his face, "now that we don't need to take a job here, what's our next move?"

I took a deliberate moment, organizing our path forward. The silver coins in the leather sack seemed to pulse with potential, a reminder of our recent success and the opportunities ahead.

"We'll take a full day of rest," I began, my voice steady. "Tomorrow, we'll stock up on supplies. The day after, we'll prepare for departure the following morning." I paused, considering the journey ahead. "The next major town is significantly farther than our previous destinations. We'll need to be more comprehensive in our preparations."

The tavern's atmosphere began to shift. Lanterns were lit, casting warm, flickering light. The few remaining patrons began to disperse, returning to homes that now felt safer, thanks to our intervention.

At the nearby inn, we secured a modest room. Three beds, simple but clean. Maya and Rowan fell asleep quickly, their breathing becoming a synchronized rhythm of recovery and peace.

But sleep remained an elusive companion for me.

I stared at the wooden ceiling, counting the knots and imperfections. My mind was a turbulent landscape—memories of battle, hints of future challenges, the weight of responsibilities. Outside, Eldor slowly settled into night, the town breathing a collective sigh of relief.